Possession of an unregistered firearm is a federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carrying up to 10 years in federal prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Goochland County, Virginia, and provides strategic representation for clients facing these serious charges.
Possession of an Unregistered Firearm Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) prohibits the possession of a machinegun that was not registered to the possessor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). This statute applies to any firearm defined as a machinegun under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(b), including any weapon that shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. A violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) or the Western District of Virginia (WDVA) prosecutes these cases, depending on where the offense occurred. Goochland County falls within the EDVA’s Richmond Division.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII)
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal criminal defense cases in Goochland County.
For the official text of the statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 922 (Cornell LII — official site). For the National Firearms Act definitions, see 26 U.S.C. § 5845 (Cornell LII — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), prosecutors routinely pursue possession of an unregistered firearm charges aggressively, especially when the firearm is linked to other criminal activity. We have observed that the government often relies on ATF trace reports and experienced testimony to establish that a weapon qualifies as a machinegun under federal law.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation or arrest.
- Do not consent to any search of your home, vehicle, or electronic devices without a warrant.
- Preserve all documentation related to the firearm, including purchase records, registration papers, and any correspondence with the ATF.
- Review the federal indictment carefully with your attorney to identify any procedural or jurisdictional defects.
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence if law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights.
- Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable plea agreement or seek a reduction in charges based on mitigating factors.
In Goochland County, possession of an unregistered firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (Machinegun) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release (up to 3 years); loss of firearm rights; potential immigration consequences |
Results may vary.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Goochland County. While specific case results for possession of an unregistered firearm charges in this locality are not available, the firm has documented 1,741 results in Fairfax County, 289 in Prince William County, and 153 in Loudoun County, with favorable outcome rates exceeding 88% across all practice areas. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from Goochland County General District Court (2938 River Road West, Bldg G, Goochland, VA 23063), with access via I-64 and Route 6.
Federal criminal lawyer near Goochland County.
Serving the communities of Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Yes. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Unlike state charges, federal cases carry mandatory minimum sentences for many firearm offenses, and there is no parole in the federal system. An experienced NFA violation defense lawyer Goochland County can help handle these details.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Yes. Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747.
Federal criminal cases in Virginia are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern or Western District of Virginia. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division) handles cases arising in Goochland County. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and conviction rates exceed 90%. An unregistered weapon charge lawyer Goochland County can provide critical guidance.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Goochland County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing.
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug, firearm, and child exploitation offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against possession of an unregistered firearm charges?
Defense strategies for possession of an unregistered firearm in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
Defense strategies for possession of an unregistered firearm in Virginia may include challenging the ATF’s classification of the firearm, filing motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches, negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a reduction in charges, and presenting mitigating factors such as lack of criminal intent. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing possession of an unregistered firearm charges in Virginia?
If facing possession of an unregistered firearm charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
If facing possession of an unregistered firearm charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under federal law require prompt action. A Possession of an Unregistered Firearm lawyer Goochland County can protect your rights from the outset.
Learn more about federal criminal defense in Virginia: Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia.
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Last verified: May 2026. This page was reviewed for accuracy on this date. For the most current legal information, consult the official sources linked above.